FRENCH'S ACTING EDITION 

No. 2476. 



At the 
Ribbon Counter 

A PLAY IN ONE ACT 



BY 



GERTRUDE E. JENNINGS 



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i 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER 



ONE ACT PLAYS BY GERTRUDE JENNINGS. 

Published at one shilling net each by Samuel French, Limited. 



ACID DROPS. One male, six female characters. 

ALLOTMENTS. Tivo female characters, both of which can 
be impersonated by men if desired. 

AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. Three female characters, 

THE BATHROOM DOOR. Three male, three female char- 
acters. 

BETWEEN THE SOUP AND THE SAVOURY. Three 
female characters. 

ELEGANT EDWARD. Four male, one female character. 

FIVE BIRDS IN A CAGE. Three male, two female char- 
acters. 

NO SERVANTS. One male, five female characters. 

POACHED EGGS AND PEARLS. Three male, six female 
characters. 

THE REST CURE. One male, four female characters. 

WAITING FOR THE'BUS. Two male, ten female characters. 



FOUR ONE ACT PLAYS BY GERTRUDE JENNINGS 
In one volume containing "The Rest Cure," " Betiveen. 
the Soup and the Savoury," " The Pros and Cons," and 
"Acid Drops." Two shillings net. 



At the Ribbon Counter 



A Play in One Act 



By 
GERTRUDE E. JENNINGS 



Copyright, 1919, by Samuel French, Ltd. 



All Rights Reserved 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH, Ltd. 

Publishers 

26 Southampton Street 

STRAND, W.C.2 



New York 

SAMUEL FRENCH 

Publisher 

28 WEST 3 8th STREET 



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i«iUi/ 26 I9I9 



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CID 53188 



V 



ST— 



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AT THE RIBBON COUNTER 



CHARACTERS 

MISS HEWITT 
MISS GEORGE 
A CUSTOMER 

Scene. — The ribbon department of a small shop. 



The fee for each and every representation of this play hy 
amateurs is One Guinea payable in advance to : — 

Messrs. Samuel French, Ltd., 

26, Southampton Street, 

Strand, London, W.C.2. 

or their authorized representatives. 

No public performance may be given unless a written permis- 
sion has first been obtained. 

All the costumes, wigs and properties used in the performance 
of plays contained in French's Acting Edition may be obtained 
from Messrs. Charles H. Fox, Ltd.. 27, Wellington Street, Strand, 
W.C.2. 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER 

The Scene is the ribbon dejMrtment of a third-rate sho]). 
There is a counter at back and a counter at right angles 
on the R. with a sjyace in between. Tables may be 
used for these counters, if the fronts of the tables are 
filled in by canvas or strong brown fafer. Two small 
cane chairs for customers. Entrances h. andn. On the 
counters stand rolls of ribbon done up in pyramids 
and boxes of lace, also baskets of handkerchiefs and 

At rise of Gartain Miss Hewitt is discovered behind 
R, hand counter. She is measuring and putting away odd 
lengths of ribbon. She is a bright, pretty girl with 
fuzzy fair hair and a sharp pert manner. 

Enter from left Mi&s George carrying a box contaimng 
curls of hair. She is a handsome, tall, languid girl Both 
girls are dressed in black. 

Miss Hewitt. Wliat did your old girl want ? 
Miss George {going behind c. counter). Pin curls, if 

you please. 
Miss Hewitt. She was a precious long tune choosing 

Miss George. Couldn't make up her mind which 
shade of auburn matched her hair. 

Miss Hewitt. Auburn? Why, she's as grey as 
they're made. 
. Miss George. That's why it was so hard to please 

'cr scG ? 

Miss Hewitt. Silly old fool, wish they knew what 
we thought of them sometimes. 

1 



8 AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 

Miss George, Ah, indeed ! 

Miss Hewitt. 'Ave a sweet, dear 1 

Miss George, Thanks, dear. 

Miss Hewitt. Don't serpose there'll be any one in 
to-night. 

Miss George. Ought ter be ashamed of themselves if 
there is. I've no patience with people who walk into a 
shop near closing time, messing up the boxes and keeping 
the girls in. Just as if the whole place belonged to 
them — such impudence ! 

Miss Hewitt. Well, it wouldn't break my 'eart ter 
get away now. I'm as sleepy as what for, that I am. 
{Yawns.) 

Miss George. You were up too late last night. 

Miss Hewitt. You're right there. Didn't leave off 
dancing till four. Shouldn't have stopped then only 
I broke the 'eel off my shoe. I say, these sweets don't 
'arf 'um. 

Miss George. Yes, don't they ? Where are those 
blue ribbons, dear ? {Crosses r.) 

Miss Hewitt. I put them away, dear. 

Miss George {leaning on hack of chair). Thanks, 
dear. I suppose, of course he was there ? 

Miss Hewitt. He ? 

Miss George. Yes. The young gentleman you're 
engaged to. The m3'sterious stranger. 

Miss Hewitt. Go on. Miss George. You're not to 
tease. 

Miss George. I can't see why you keep it such a 
secret, I must say. I tell you all about Mr. Nesfield and 
he hasn't even spoken. So why you won't tell me the 
same, quite confidential, I don't know. 

Miss Hewitt {embarrassed, crosses tohehind c. counter). 
Ladies can't always have things just as they like, Miss 
George. My fiancy has a very important reason for 
keeping our engagement a secret at present. 

Miss George. Oh, I've no wish to pry, I'm sure. 
I should be the very last to intrude my feelings where 
they're not wanted. 

Miss Hev/itt. No offence intended, Miss George. 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. « 

Miss Geokge. Oh, naturally not ! I'm afraid I 
must often have bored you with talking about my 
ffentlemen friends. 
° Miss Hewitt. Not at all, I assure you. 

Miss George. I won't do it again, that I can promise. 
Voice {outside). Miss Hewitt ! 
Miss Hewitt. Serving ! 
Voice. Miss George ! 

Miss George. Serving ! , , ^ • , . 

Miss Hewitt. Young Mr. Ross was there last nigiit. 
He dances a fair treat. , i. . 

Miss George. It isn't 'im by any chance ? Jiu. 
there, I serpose I mustn't ask— only I do ope, Miss 
Hewitt, that it isn't 'im. He can dance, I admit, but 
when you've said that you've said everything. And as 
to 'is teeth, well, tliey're chronic. 

Miss Hewitt. Don't excite yourself, Miss Ueorge. 
It's not Mr. Ross. All the same, he can dancx^. 

Miss George. So can Mr. Nesfield. He asked me 
for six straight off last Tuesday. That was a styhsh 
'op if you like, five shillings a head and champagne. 
Miss Hewitt. His treat, I serpose. , . , , t 

Miss George. Rather. What do you thmk i i 
always was favoured some'ow. He's taking me to the 
Pav. termorrer. Booked seats. Oh, he s quite the 
gentleman. I was thinking perliaps he'd speak then. 
What do you say ? (Moves to Miss Hewitt. 
Miss Hewitt. Well, reely 'ow do I know ? 
Miss George. Being engaged yourself I thought you 
might give a guess. Did I tell you what Mr. Peacock 
said to me at the dance on Friday • ., 

Miss Hewitt [tvho is becoming bored). No, dear, or it 
you did I don"t remember. 

Miss George. Well, it was lil:e tins— — 
Miss Hewitt. One moment, dear, I think that woman 
over there wants something. {Looks off left.) 

Miss George. Oh, let 'er wait. Mr. Lrnest will 
attend to her. Don't you bother. , t>t i. 

Miss Hewitt. We shall have her m the end. iV^ark 
my words. May as well get it over. 



10 AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 

Miss George. Oh, let 'er alone. I must say Mr. 
Ernest is certainly very taking. He looks at me some- 
times as if he could read my weary soul through and 
through. 

Miss Hewitt [annoyed). Oh, really. 

Miss George. Haven't you ever noticed it ? 

Miss Hewitt. No, I can't say I have. Per'aps he 
never wanted ter read my soul. 

Miss George. Very likely not, 

(Miss Hewitt tosses her head.) 

No offence, dear. 

Miss Hewitt. Oh, not at all. 

Miss George {returning to counter r.). I can't 'elp it 
if I have a taking way with the gentlemen. Always 
'ad some'ow. 

Miss Hewitt. Indeed ? An' so Mr. Ernest is one 
of your conquests, is he ? 

Miss Georgje. Well, I 'ardly like to mention it. 
But to tell the truth he's shown me quite clear that he 
does fancy little me. 

Miss Hewitt. In what way may I ask ? 

Miss George. Oh, come dear, you can't serpose 
I'd tell you that. 'Ardly fair, would it be ? 

Miss Hewitt. Stuck up, thieving cat ! 

Miss George {sharjAy). 'Oo dear ? 

Miss Hewitt. Er^ — that woman over there. 

Miss George {meaningly.) Well, dear, you ought to 
know. 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, I see enough of them. (Glaring 
at Miss George.) 

Customer {off stage). Do wait, Edward. I only 
want some ribbon. {Pause.) Well, walk up and down 
outside, if you won't come in. No, really not more than 
five minutes. {Pause.) All right. 

Miss Hewitt. Don't mind letting her voice be heard. 

]\fiss George. No, carries well, don't it ? 

Miss Hewitt. I should sye so. 

Miss George. That's rather a good-looking feller 
she's got 'old of. What did she call him ? Edward ? 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 11 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, I wouldn't be him for half-a- 
crown. 

Miss George. Nor I. Eather a nose on him, 'asn't 
'e ? He isn't as smart as my Mr. Ernest. 

Miss Hewitt. Your Mr. Ernest ? 

Miss George. Well, you know what I mean, dear. 
(Smirks.) He isn't mine yet, so to speak. But no 
doubt about it he's looking my way. They say he'll 
be partner some day. What do you think ? 

Miss Hewitt. I don't trouble my head about M^hat 
my betters are doing. 

Miss George. No offence, dear. 

Miss Hewitt. Oh, none taken. 

Miss George. Oh, bless my 'eart. Here comes that 
woman. 

Miss Hewitt. I told you as much. No ! She's 
stopping at the habby. 

Miss George. Only to paw the goods about. She's 
making for us. 

Voice. What's your pleasure, Madam ? 

Customer {outside). I want some ribbon, please. 
I'm in a great hurry. 

Voice (off). Yes, Madam. What kind of ribbon ? 

Customer. Pale blue satin sash ribbon, about six 
inches wide. It's to make an Empire sash. 

Voice (oj^). Certainly, Madam. Will you please step 
this v/ay ? 

(Enter Left the Customer, a good-loolcing, urll-dressed 
girl, who is in a hurrg. Miss Hewitt advances towards 
her.) 

Miss Hewitt (in her Lest manner.). What did you 
require, Modam ? 

Customer. I want some ribbon, please. I'm in a 
great hurry. 

Miss Hewitt. Certainly, Modam. VvHiafc kind of 
ribbon ? 

Customer. Blue satin sash libbon, about six inches 
wide, quite a sky blue, three-and-a-half yards, for an 
Empire sash. 



12 AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 

Miss Hewitt. Certainly, Modam, v.ill you step this 
way ? Miss George — Eibbons. 

Customer. But I've told you wliat I want. Can't 
you serve me ? I'm very pressed for time. 

Miss Hewitt. If Modam will take a seat, this young 
lady 

Voice. Miss Hewitt ! 

Miss Hewitt. Serving! {Cj-osses to heJiind counter c.) 

Voice. Miss George ! 

Miss George. Serving ! 

(Customer sits at courder r., her hack is to the girls.) 

Miss George {sotto voce). I never finished telling you 
what Mr. Peacock said to me on Friday. 

Miss Hewitt {glancing over a paper-covered novel). No 
more you did. Well, go on. 

Miss George. You know that corner by the band- 
stand 

Miss Hewitt. Yes ? 

Customer. Could anybody kindly attend to me, 
please ? I've really no time to spare at all. 

Miss Hewitt. Certainly, Modam. I'm engaged for 
the moment. Miss George 

Miss George. Well, I'll tell you later on. {Aleves 
to behind counter R. languidly.) What did you require, 
Modam ? 

Customer {becoming irritated). I want some pale blue 
satin ribbon, sash ribbon, about so wide, for an Empire 
sash. 

Miss George. Yes, Modam. WTd you 'and me 
up that box, dear ? ( Turning away to Miss Hewitt while 
fetching box from behind counter c.) I had on my short 
skirt with the ermine trimming, you know, and the cap 
to match. I've put a pink gardenia in it and reely it 
looks very smart. 

Miss Hewitt. Shoes are the trouble dancing. I 
never wear shoes myself. They're so dowdy — that's what 
I say. 

Customer (ea;as^emte^). W^ould you kindly ? I'm 

in a hurry. 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 13 

Miss George (coming to counter r. with box of pink 
ribbons). Certainly, Modam. This is a very nice article. 
Smart that is — three-three. 

Customer. But I didn't say jjinlc ribbon- — I said blue. 
Besides, that's not satin at all. 

Miss George. This is what we're selling a lot of 
just now 

Customer. Perhaps, but it doesn't happen to be 
what I want. I want pale blue soft satin about six 
inches wide — ■ — ■ 

Miss George. This is so much more worn. 

Customer (furious). I don't care what's worn. Will 
you kindly get what I want and don't keep me waiting 
any longer. (Crosses to door l. and waves off.) 

Miss George. Dear, dear. (Going back with box 
to c. counter.) 

Miss Hewitt. I said she was a stuck-up cat. I saw 
it in her face. 

Miss George. Some people think they're every one 
just because they've got a young man with a nose like 
a knife machine. 

Miss Hewitt. She wouldn't put on so many airs if 
she knew her petticoat's showing. 

Customer {returning as Miss George crosses back to 
counter). Have you my ribbon yet ? 

Miss George. In one moment, Modam. Vv^hat price 
did you say ? 

Customer. Oh, I don't mind. Just shovv' me what 
you've got. 

Miss George. They run from six-three to three and 
eleven, don't they. Miss Hewitt ? 

Miss Hewitt. About that. 

Customer. Well, show me them, please. 

Miss George. Certainly, Modam. Where did you 
say they was, dear ? 

Miss Hewitt. Top drawer left. I'll help you. 

Customer (in despair). Oh, dear, oh, dear ! 

Voice (off). Miss Hewitt ! 

Miss Hewitt. Serving. 

YoiCE, Miss George ! 



14 AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 

Miss George. Serving. 

Miss Hewitt. Well, what did Mr. Peacock say at the 
dance ? You never told me. 

Miss George. Nor I did. Well, we'd just got to that 
corner, you know, by the bandstand 

Miss Hewitt. Right 'and side ? 

Miss George. Yes. 

Miss Hewitt. Why, that's where Mr. Er (coughs) 

That's where my fiancy asked me to marry him. 

Miss George. Never ! 

Miss Hewitt. Fact, I assure you. 

Customer (rising). Would you please attend to me, 
or do you wish me to remain here all night ? 

Miss Hewitt, Oh, no, Modam. 

Customer. Well then, please be quick ! (Goes to 
door.) Edward ! One moment ! No, don't go, only 
a moment really — (Returning.) Now, where are those 
ribbons ? 

Miss George (loftily.) They're here, Modam. 

Customer. At last ! These are very narrow. Are 
they the widest you have ? 

Miss George. Are they the widest, Miss Hewitt ? 

Voice. Miss Hewitt ! 

Miss Hewitt. Serving ! What say ? 

Miss George. Are those the widest ? 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, I believe so. 

Customer. Well, I suppose this must do. There, 
that one. Three and a half yards, please. Do be quick. 

(Miss George slowly measures the ribbon.) 

There's a pound. Never mind putting the ribbon in 
paper. Oh, please be quick. 

(Miss George enters the transaction in her booh, Customer 
takes ribbon, Miss George exits. Pause. Customer 
very impatient, crosses l. and hacJc again. Miss Hewitt 
leans negligently on the counter and hums a tojncal song. ) 

Customer. Do you tliink you could ask the young 
lady to hurry up ? 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 15 

Miss Hewitt {coldly). She is getting your change, 

Modam. 

Customer. Change. Oh yes, I know, but couldn't 
she be a little quicker ? 

Miss Hewitt. Coming, dear ? The lady's in a hurry. 

Miss George {returning. Haughtily). 5s. Qd., Qs., 
10, 20. {Handing change.) 

Customer. Thanks. {Bolting for the door.) Edward! 
Edward ! {Exit off.) Oh, he's gone ! 

Miss George. Gone, has he ? Dear, dear. 

Miss Hewitt. Knew he had. Saw him set ofi like 
mad five minutes ago. I don't blame him for one. 

Miss George. Nor I. Cat, I call her. 

Voice {off r.). Miss George ! Cash wants you. 

Miss George. Oh lor ! What's up now ? 

Miss Hewitt. Don't suppose it's anything. Ill tidy 
your box. 

Miss George. Thanks, dear. {Goes off, returns.) 
Wonder if I shall 'appen to catch sight of Mr. Ernest ? 
{A jKiuse.) I might, mightn't I ? 

Miss Hewitt {annoyed). Oh, do push off. 

(Miss George exits.) 

Voice {off. In a different voice, subdued and secretive) . 
Miss Hewitt 

Miss Hewitt (to herself). It's Alastair ! {runs to door 
L.) Yes, Mr. Ernest ? 

Voice {off). Marguerite ! Is it all right for the 
Hippodrome to-night ? 

Miss Hewitt. Rather ! 

Voice {off). Six-thirty sharp at the Troc then 

Miss Hevv'ITT. Right oh ! Look out ! Miss George is 
coming back ! 

Voice {off). By-bye ! 

(Miss George, who is in a dreadful iqjset, comes rushing 
on the stage from R. entrance.) 

Miss George. Miss Hewitt 1 

Miss Hewitt. What's the matter ? 



16 AT THE RIBBON COUNTED. 

Miss George. Oh, Miss Hewitt, stop lier, stop her. 

Miss Hewitt. Stop who ? 

Miss George. Why, that woman. Did she go any- 
where else in the shop ? 

Miss Hewitt. Blue ribbon Emj^ire, d'you mean ? 

Miss George. Yes, yes. 

Miss Hewitt. Why she went out of sight ages ago. 

Miss George. Out of sight ! (Passing her.) 

Miss Hewitt. Yes. , Run after her feller. What 
d'yer want her for ? 

Miss George. She's given me a bad pound note. 

Miss Hewitt. Never. 

Miss George. Yes, she has. You see I never looked 
at it with her bustlingme up so, and the cashier hadn't 
put it away so he knew it was the one I brought. 

Miss Hewitt. My dear ! Well, there, I feel struck aW 
of a heap. {Sits r.) 

Miss George. You could have knocked me down 
with a feather when they told me. I 'aven't 'arf 'ad 
a row, I can tell you. She did it on purpose, of course — 
the stuck-up, over-dressed, pinched-in minx ! 

Miss Hewitt. What are they going ter do about it ? 

Miss George. Do ? Why, I shall have to pay up, of 
course. That's the rule of the house, isn't it ? I wish 
I had her here. I'd pull her powdered nose. 

Miss Hewitt. She may not have known. 

Miss George. Oh, she knew right enough. A lot of 
clattering bangles, and sa^jphires, and false hair, all 
bought wdth my money. 

Miss Hewitt. 'Ardly that, dear. It's only a pound 
after all. 

Miss George. Only a pound indeed, Miss Hewitt ! 
I wish you had to pay u^), not me, if that's the way you 
talk. {Grosses l.) 

Miss Hewitt. No offence, Miss George. I feel for you, 
reely I do. 

Miss George {crosses c.). In she comes with her pale 
blue Empire sashes, " Could any one attend to me ? 
I'm in a great hurry." 

(Miss Hewitt laughs.) 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 1? 

Miss Hewitt. Oh, my dear, you are a actress ! 

Miss George. In a great liurry ! So she was — to 
pinch my pound. 

Miss Hewitt. My dear ! Remember you're a lady. 

Miss George. Oh, I desay, but that don't give me 
back my money. They're spending it now, she and 
Edward. Sitting opposite each other at the Corner 
Hou.se, they are, ordering steak and kidney pudding with 
stewed prunes to follow — on my money ! The cater- 
pillars ! 

Miss Hewitt. Perhaps she'll come in here again and 
then we can get hold of her. 

Miss George. Not she ! She knows how many beau.% 
make five! Oh, dear! Oh dear! {Sits chair c). 

Miss Hewitt. What did he say to you about it — 
the cashier, I mean ? 

Miss George. Told me to report to Mr. Ernest. 

Miss Hewitt. To Mr. Ernest ? (Rises.) 

Miss George. Yes. 

Miss Hewitt {crossing stage thoiigJitfully toh.). To Mr. 
Ernest ! 

Miss George {sharply). Well, what's there so queer 
about that ? It's the rule, isn't it ? 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, but something's set me thinking. 
{Crosses c. to Miss G.) As Mr. Ernest is so partial ter 
you and you can twist him round your little finger I 
don't see what you've got ter be afraid of. 

Miss George. Why ? {Arises.) 

Miss Hewitt. Why ? He'll get you off, that's all. 
You haven't got anything to fret about that I can see 
— don't know what's troubling you myself. {Very 
2)ointedly.) 

Miss George {turns away from her to r.). Oh, Miss 
Hewitt 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, dear. 

Miss George. To tell you the truth I was only having 
a bit of fim about Mr. Ernest. 

Miss Hewitt. What ! ! 

Miss George. He's never looked my way reely. 

Miss Hewitt. Never read your weary soul ? 



IS AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. 

Miss George. No, never. It was all my eye — so you 
see he won't lielj) me. 

Miss Hewitt. You swear to that ? 

Miss George. Suttinly. 

Miss Hewitt. That's all right ! 

(Miss George looTcs iq) in surprise.) 

Miss George. What do you mean ? 

Miss Hewitt. I mean in that case i^erhaps I might 
be of some use. 

Miss George. I 'ardly see what you can do. 

Miss Hewitt. I've got an idea, that's all, but I can't 
tell you just yet what it is. 

Miss George. You're very secretive. {Sits r.) If 
you reely do know a way to help you might pass it along 
— I don't want to lay awake all night, I'm sure. 

Miss Hewitt. Well, my dear, it's all mixed up like 
with my engagement. 

Miss George. Oh, indeed ? 

Miss Hewitt. Yes, and that's why I can't let on 
about it yet. 

Miss George. Just as you please, of course. I can't 
say you've given me much ground to stand u^^on, so to 
speak 

{Pause. Shutters are fixed, off stage.) 

Well, they're shutting up. I must go and put my hat 
on. {Rises, crosses l.) 

Miss Hewitt. I reely can help you. 

Miss George. I'm sure your intentions are most 
kind. 

Miss Hewitt {annoyed). You think I can't ? 

Miss George. I confess I don't see 'ow. 

Miss Hewitt {crosses r.). Some people can't see the 
length of their noses, but, well, I can show you're wrong. 
It's early ter speak of it yet, and Alastair, he wanted it 
kept private for a bit 

Miss George. Alastair ! 

Miss Hewitt. Yes. He and me are engaged. 



AT THE RIBBON COUNTER. ID 

Miss George, Alastair ! D'you mean Mr. Ernest ? 

Miss Hewitt. Certainly. He asked me last Thurs- 
day week. 

Miss George {quite unbelievingly). Mr. Ernest ! You 
engaged to Mr. Ernest ! Oh, reely Miss Hewitt ! 

Miss Hewitt. You think I'm romancing ? 

Miss George. Oh, I daresay he's spoke a kind word 
to you now and again. 

Miss Hewitt. Oh, really Miss George, you'd try the 
patience of an image, that you would. 'Owever, seeing's 
believing — 'Ow's that for a ring ? 

Miss George {taking it condescendingly). Very 'and- 
some, but no proof that I can see. 

Miss Hewitt. Just cast your eye round the interior 
if you please. 

Miss George {crosses r. reading). "Alastair to Marguer- 
ite." Alastair ! It's as true as I'm born. {Returns the 
ring.) 

Miss Hewitt (l.c.) So you see it was a bit slighting 
to my feelings when you implied what you did. 

Miss George (r.c.) Oh, don't, Miss Hewitt ! You've 
made me feel for all the world like a remnant, that you 
have. I didn't intend any implication. 

Miss Hewitt. Well, you must own that there's bin 
a double entong about all your remarks. 

Miss George. Quite an oversight, Miss Hewitt. I ask 
pardon, I'm sure. 

Miss Hewitt. Granted. 

Miss George. I reely must offer my congratulations. 
Mr. Ernest ! Why, he's almost manager. 

Miss Hewitt. Quite so, so I think you'll agree that 
I'm not so much of a down-trodden worm as can't lift 
the head to help a lady in distress. 

Miss George. No indeed ! 

Miss Hewitt. Well, dear, shall I speak to him for 
you ? 

Miss George. Well, dear, if you would be so kind — 
but I'm afraid I've offended your feelings too much. 

Miss Hewitt. Not at all, dear. I was never one to 
bear malice, and between one lady and another there 



20 AT THE RIBBON COUNTER 

should always be an entente cordial. Come along, Miss 
George, we'll go to him now. 

Miss George. Oh, Miss Hewitt ! Marguerite ! {Em- 
braces her.) 

Miss Hewitt. That's all right. Mind my back 'air ! 



CURTAIN. 



Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Frame and London 



Continued from second page of coVer. 

SCENERY. 

Our atock of •canary conusli of 

The Oafe Chamber Set. 

This scene will be found suitable for the purpose of an 
ordinary interior in nearly all playa requiring a room 
which is not representing a drawing-room, kitchen, or a 
Tery poverty-stricken type of room. The kind of furni- 
ture used in it will naturally do much to indicate the 
■tatus of the people inhabiting 

The Drawing-room Chamber. 

This scene has been prepared on exactly the same 
lines as the oak chamber, and with the same object in 
view — the increase in both height and width according 
to requirement. 

Both Large and Small Garden Scenes 

Small Wood Scene 

A Drop Scene 

Puffed Satin Paper for Proscenium 

Fireplaces 

House-piece for Street Scene 

Interior Window and Interior Doors 



FULLY ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE 

Mat tfratls op appUoiUoa to SAMUBL FRENCaajLtd., »♦ 

Sestiuunpton StrMt, Stmnd, W.C.3: or 28 W««l Mth Btnm, 

Now York Otjr, U.SA. 



014 703 702 



The Latest Add 

to 

French's Acting Edition 



2629 THE COMPLEAT ANGLER. By Arthur Scoti 

Craven and J. D. Beretford. . , . !•• 

8530 ADVERTISEMENT. By Basil Macdonald Hot- 

ingt ........ 2t. 

2531 THE ANGEL IN THE HOUSE. ByEdeDPhm. 

pottt and Basil Macdonald Hastingi . . 2s. 

2532 THE STORY OF CORPORAL BELL. A Play 

for Present Times . . . . . .It. 

2533 A WAR COMMITTEE. By Edward Knoblock It. 

8534 FIVE BIRDS IN A CAGE. By Gertrude Jennings It. 

2586 THE BATHROOM DOOR. By Gertrude Jot- 

nings It. 

2537 THE HARTLEYS. By Arthur Eckenley. . It. 

2538 POACHED EGGS AND PEARLS. By Ger. 

trade Jennings ...... It. 

2539 WATERLOO. By A. Conan Doyle . . It. 

2540 THE MARRUGE . . . WILL NOT TAKE 
PLACE. By Alfred Sutra . . . .It. 

2541 THE ARRIVAL OF A RIVAL. By Petty 

Fendaill and Fred Emney . . ' . .It. 

2542 ALLOTMENTS. By Gertrude Jennings . . It. 

2543 SUSAN'S EMBELLISHMENTS. By Aitkir 

Ecker&iey It. 

2644 UNCLE ANYHOW. By Alfred Sutro . . 2t. 

2545 PARENTS. By Dawson Milward . . .It. 

2546 HIS REST DAY. By Matthew Boulton . . It. 

t&n THE BRASS DOOR-KNOB. By Matthew 

Boukoo It. 

2548 DOUBLE OR QUITS. B^ G«or(e Paston . It. 

2649 A CHINESE PUZZLE. By Marian Bower 

and Leon M. Lion. ... 2t. Id. 



The published prices are net 



